The parties said they expect to receive a letter about the state's decision in two weeks.

Chapman and Goodman had no comment about Friday's hearing.

Michael Barry, the Stewarts' attorney, said his clients will sue Chapman if their insurance company does not cover Nicole's medical costs. Nicole may receive cosmetic surgery because her family fears her facial scars could be permanent.

Nicole was attacked April 25 while she, her brother and her mother visited neighbors. The neighbors included Goodman and Kito, who was unleashed.

While the adults' backs were turned, Kito bit Nicole's arm and right cheek. A Rocky Hill police investigation found that Kito had bitten two adults in the past, but Goodman pointed out that the attacks were provoked and unreported.

In a preliminary finding, the state overruled Rocky Hill officials who wanted Kito destroyed. In September, state officials said Kito should be returned to his owner as long as he was kept inside, was leashed and muzzled or was in a secure kennel.